The Dark Side of Black Friday: 10 Reasons to Skip It

It’s an Environmental Nightmare

Black Friday isn’t just about shopping; it’s about the staggering environmental cost. From the manufacturing process to the packaging and shipping, the carbon footprint of this day is huge. It drives a sharp increase in CO2 emissions from delivery vehicles, adding millions of tons of carbon to the atmosphere.

Fast Fashion Is Trash

Much of the Black Friday shopping frenzy involves fast fashion, but you’re actually buying brands’ unsold inventory. These sales are often less about meeting demand and slashing prices and more about taking out the trash that costs pennies on the dollar to manufacture. Not only that, a 2019 study revealed that up to 80% of Black Friday purchases go to waste, ending up in landfills or burned in incinerators.

It’s a Recipe for Impulse Buying

Let’s be honest—how many times have you bought something just because it was on sale, only to realize you didn’t really need it? Black Friday thrives on FOMO (fear of missing out), which can lead to impulse purchases and a mountain of regret.

Exploitation in the Supply Chain

The human toll of Black Friday can’t be ignored. Many of the cheap goods we buy come at the cost of workers’ rights. For example, fast fashion brands are notorious for unsafe working conditions, forced labor, and wage theft. The shiny “deal” you scored? It likely came at the expense of someone working 75-hour weeks in dangerous conditions for pennies.

It’s Stressful and Overwhelming

The chaos of Black Friday—long lines, crowded stores, and aggressive shoppers—is enough to make anyone’s blood pressure rise. Why subject yourself to unnecessary stress when you could spend the day relaxing or enjoying quality time with loved ones?

The Deals Aren’t That Great

Here’s the truth: many Black Friday deals are marketing tricks. Retailers often mark up prices beforehand, making discounts appear larger than they really are. Plus, the quality of “sale” items is often lower, designed specifically to hit a low price point for the occasion.

It Glorifies Disposable Goods

Black Friday promotes a culture of disposability, where items are seen as temporary instead of durable. Whether it’s electronics, clothes, or home goods, many Black Friday purchases don’t last long, creating a never-ending cycle of consumption and waste.

There Are Better Ways to Shop

Skipping Black Friday doesn’t mean you have to skip deals altogether. Shopping secondhand, supporting ethical brands, or participating in small business events like Small Business Saturday are great alternatives. You can find unique, high-quality items without contributing to the environmental and social toll of fast fashion and overproduction.

It Can Put You in Debt

With all the tempting sales and “buy now, pay later” options, it’s easy to go overboard. Black Friday might feel like a great opportunity to save, but overspending can leave you dealing with the financial fallout well into the new year.

It’s Not the Only Way to Save

Let’s not forget: sales happen all the time. From end-of-season discounts to post-holiday clearance, there are plenty of opportunities to save without the stress and hype of Black Friday. Plus, shopping small or secondhand is a great way to find unique gifts without the big-box madness.

At the end of the day, Black Friday isn’t the only way to kick off the holiday season—and honestly, it might not even be the best way. Instead of getting caught up in the frenzy, why not spend the day relaxing, supporting small businesses, or giving back? The holidays should be about joy, connection, and meaning—not deceitful deals.